Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe. Each tender bite is packed with juicy chicken, velvety rice, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce. It’s a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious, coming together in just one pan for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving leftovers for lunch, this dish is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite in your house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is that every ingredient pulls its weight in flavor and texture. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity—the way these pantry staples mingle in the pan creates pure dinner magic.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for the juiciest, most flavorful result.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds richness to the base.
- Onion: Brings a touch of sweetness and the classic savory foundation every good one-pot meal needs.
- Garlic: Adds fragrant, zesty notes that build depth in the sauce.
- Long-grain white rice: Fluffy grains soak up all the creamy goodness in the pot.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Lets you control the saltiness while infusing the rice with savory flavor.
- Heavy cream: The key to that ultra-silky, decadent texture everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for bold, nutty flavor and smooth melting.
- Dried thyme: A pinch ties everything together with subtle herbal warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let the main ingredients shine.
- Frozen peas (optional): A pop of green and sweet flavor you can stir in at the end.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot pan, seasoning them with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Let them cook, undisturbed, for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked all the way through. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a clean plate or bowl and set aside so it stays juicy but doesn’t dry out.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Drop the heat to medium and toss in the finely chopped onion. Stir and let it soften for around 3 minutes until it turns translucent and releases its savory aroma. Next, add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just long enough to wake up its flavor without burning. This is the crucial foundation of your Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe, so linger a moment and let those yummy smells fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Now, stir the long-grain rice right into your onion and garlic mixture. Let it toast gently for about a minute, stirring often. This step gives the rice a subtle nutty edge and helps keep the grains fluffy once the broth is added.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle over the dried thyme. Give everything a quick stir, increase the heat to bring it up to a gentle boil, then immediately turn the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Resist peeking too often—trap that steam inside!
Step 5: Creamy Finale
To finish your Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe, gently fold in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas if you’re using them. Keep the heat low and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is creamy, hot, and melded into a dreamy, cohesive dish. The Parmesan melts and mixes with the cream to make it irresistibly silky.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your masterpiece piping hot, right from the pan!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herby finish. For extra parmesan lovers, add a little more grated cheese while the dish is still warm so it melts on contact. If you’re feeling fancy, a little lemon zest brightens the flavors without overpowering the creamy sauce. An extra twist of black pepper is never a bad idea either!
Side Dishes
This recipe is almost a complete meal on its own, but a side of simple roasted vegetables or a crisp, tangy green salad rounds everything out. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce at the bottom of your bowl, and a glass of chilled white wine makes dinner feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve straight from the pan and let everyone help themselves. Hosting guests? Pile a spoonful of the Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe into individual ramekins or small bowls and garnish each with a little parsley and a shaving of Parmesan. For meal prep, pack it into lunch containers with extra veggies on the side—this dish reheats like a dream!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe keep incredibly well. Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze some for later, scoop portions into freezer-safe containers—try to leave out the parsley garnish until serving. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again. Just note that the rice may absorb a bit more sauce, so you might want to stir in a splash of cream or broth when reheating to refresh its creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings in a covered bowl for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth, cream, or even milk until it’s just as velvety as the day you made it. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for the tastiest results.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute long-grain brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the simmering time to about 35 to 40 minutes and add a bit more broth since brown rice needs longer to cook and absorb liquid.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half or even whole milk can be used, though you may lose a little of that signature creaminess. For a dairy-free twist, try unsweetened coconut cream, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is flexible. Broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent additions. Just stir them in along with the peas at the end, or steam heartier veggies with the rice so they’re perfectly tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For a meatless version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add more vegetables or toss in canned chickpeas for added protein and heartiness—the creamy Parmesan sauce works beautifully with a variety of flavors.
Can I use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic timesaver. Just shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken and stir it in with the cream and cheese at the end to warm through. It’s a clever way to use leftovers or to speed up prep on a busy night.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make (and eat!) this Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe as I am to share it with you. With its cozy, crowd-pleasing flavor and effortless cleanup, it’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to every table. Give it a try next time you crave something creamy, comforting, and sure to satisfy—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together easily in one pan. Tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fluffy rice make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Base:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Creamy Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown chicken pieces, then set aside.
- Sauté Base: Sauté onion until translucent, add garlic, then rice to slightly toast.
- Cook Rice: Pour in broth, add thyme, simmer covered for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in cooked chicken, cream, Parmesan, and peas; cook until creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
- Swap in broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for added veggies.
- This recipe works well with rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
